Braddock Program represents at National Championships

Members of the Chicago Lions Rugby Club Pose with Jeremiah, a member of the Pittsburgh Harlequins Youth Mentoring Programs at the National 7’s Rugby Championship at Founders Field, Pittsburgh.

August 10th and 11th the Pittsburgh Harlequins hosted the Emirates Airline Men’s and Women’s National 7’s Rugby Championship. Helping out with volunteers, the Harlequins Youth Rugby Team had their favorites. 11 Year Old Jeremiah from the Braddock Program is a strong supporter of the Chicago Lions Rugby Club. Chicago Lions Men’s and Women’s teams both made the cup finals, representing the Midwest Rugby Union.

The Harlequins Youth Programs are in their 18th year, focusing on, at-risk youth from Pittsburgh’s inner-city neighborhoods. A unique youth mentoring experience in the USA, participants were able to see firsthand the highest level of rugby being played in North America. Nick Long, a local school teacher, rugby player, and long time volunteer in the youth programs, commented that “this is a culmination of many years of hard work by the Pittsburgh Harlequins. only through the dedication and support of decades of active players is this opportunity possible for these kids.”

The Lions, coached by Jeremy Nash, are one of the top 16 teams in the Country. The Chicago side, which finished fourth in the championship, was the epitome of class- posing for pictures with youth program participants amidst the highest demands of the sport.